Camping in Donostia-San Sebastián

The idyllic seaside resort of San Sebastián is one of the most popular places for campers in the Basque Country. The beautiful landscape between the mountains and the sea offers holidaymakers the best conditions for camping by the sea. And if you need a refreshing dip after a stroll through the town's historic buildings, museums and restaurants, you can plunge straight into the waters of La Concha, San Sebastián's local beach.

Camping in San Sebastián: all important information at a glance

Due to San Sebastián's location on the Bay of Biscay, many of the campsites are located in the immediate vicinity of the sea. The campsites offer wonderful views over the rugged coastal landscape and marvellous views of the Atlantic - including spectacular sunsets over the sea.

The range of campsites is extremely varied. In addition to well-equipped camping villages with every comfort, there are also many smaller and more natural sites with somewhat simpler facilities. However, fresh water supply, well-kept sanitary facilities and electricity connections for caravans are standard everywhere. WLAN sometimes has to be paid for separately. The cultural highlights of the city are usually only a comparatively short distance from the campsites.

In addition to the campsites, there are also a number of pitches for motorhomes around San Sebastián. These pitches are usually located on the outskirts of the town and can be used all year round. From here, the city centre of San Sebastián can be reached either by public transport, bicycle or (depending on the location) simply on foot.

Permanent campers also like to come to the campsites in the Basque Country, as many are open all year round. However, it should be noted that it often rains in the winter months.

The 5 most beautiful campsites in San Sebastián

There is a wide range of campsites in San Sebastián. To make your choice a little easier, here are 5 of the most beautiful campsites in and around San Sebastián.

Camping Bungalows Igueldo San Sebastián

Large and well-kept holiday park about 5 km from San Sebastián. The site is also accessible for large vehicles and is ideal for exploring the city and the surrounding area. In the high season it can get quite crowded and noisy in the evenings.

Camping Igara

Modern campsite on the wooded hills on the outskirts of San Sebastián. The pitches are rather small and not suitable for larger motorhomes and caravans. There is also a separate tent pitch and charming mobile homes. The campsite's swimming pool is located nearby.

Camping Orio Kanpina

A beautiful campsite right by the sea with a sandy beach and bathing facilities in the immediate vicinity. Some of the pitches are in the shade and there is also the option of staying in bungalows. There is also a children's playground and an outdoor pool with paddling pool.

Camping Zingira

A beautifully designed, somewhat secluded campsite that is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. The family-run site in a rural setting offers large pitches on grass and an excellent restaurant serving Basque cuisine specialities. San Sebastián is around 20 kilometres away, but there are several beautiful beaches in the vicinity of the campsite.

Surf Camp San Sebastian

The perfect place to go if you want to learn to surf in San Sebastián. Instead of a campsite, you can stay in a converted farmhouse in the village of Aia, just behind San Sebastián. The price includes surf lessons on the famous Zarautz beach, yoga classes and three meals a day.

Is wild camping allowed in San Sebastián?

As in the rest of Spain, wild camping is not permitted in San Sebastián. Anyone who simply parks their camper in the countryside or pitches their tent in the open risks heavy fines. On the Atlantic coast and in the mountainous hinterland, you will often see campers parking their van, tent or motorhome - but this is not permitted.

If you are caught, you will usually receive a warning and a relatively small fine. Repeat offenders, however, can face severe fines. So you should really think carefully about whether it's really worth it and whether you'd rather stay on one of the official pitches or campsites.

Camping in San Sebastián: what are the best beaches?

The highlight of a trip to San Sebastián is definitely the beaches. Especially in the high season in the summer months, the beaches are one of the main attractions and well worth a trip, especially for campers with the whole family. The famous La Concha beach with its fine, white sand is one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe. Together with Ondaretta beach, it forms the bay of La Concha - the perfect place to relax in the sun and enjoy the sound of the waves.

Water sports enthusiasts enjoy the best time of the year at Playa Zurriola. Those who come for naturist camping will even find a suitable area on the popular beach to get a seamless tan. There you can relax completely naked under the northern Spanish sun.

All beaches offer showers, changing rooms, lockers and are supervised by lifeguards. There are no dog beaches in San Sebastián, although dogs are allowed in the low season.

How to get to San Sebastián by campervan

The city of San Sebastián is located on the northern Spanish coast and is best reached via France. If you are travelling to the Basque Country by car, caravan or motorhome, you usually take the A63 motorway from Bordeaux via Biarritz. To get to Bordeaux from Germany, holidaymakers from the north usually take the route via Maastricht, Paris and Orleans.

Visitors from Hamburg are travelling around 1710 km. Those travelling from the centre of Germany to camp in San Sebastián take the route from Kassel via Frankfurt, Metz and Orleans and thus travel around 1590 km. Holidaymakers who choose the shortest distance from southern Germany drive from Munich via Zurich, Geneva and Clermont-Ferrand to Bordeaux. In total, the distance to San Sebastián from the Bavarian capital is around 1522 kilometres.

Drivers should plan a longer break after 1000 kilometres at the latest. Holidaymakers from Hamburg can look forward to an extended break before Orleans. Meanwhile, holidaymakers from Munich can enjoy a stopover at Lake Geneva. For an overnight stay during the journey, car parks and campsites away from the motorway should be sought out in France. These have the advantage of greater safety.

Top 5 sights

• San Telmo Museum: At the foot of Monte Urgull, the collection of paintings is housed in a former Dominican monastery.
• Miramar Palace: The three-storey royal palace impresses with its octagonal tower, the decorated Tudor arch and the mansard-like upper floor.
• Cathedral of San Sebastian: The neo-Gothic church with three naves, high altar and ornate statues dates back to 1897.
• Plaza de la Constitución: The centre of the old town was once a bullring, as evidenced by the numbered balconies that were once seats.
• Aquarium: In addition to the ten pools, the 360° tunnel is a particularly fascinating experience. The sharks can be observed perfectly there.

Top 2 insider tips

• Pelota game: Holidaymakers spending the best time of the year in the Basque Country should definitely watch an exciting pelota match. The region's traditional sport is reminiscent of squash and is played professionally at the Frontón Municipal Atano III. If you fancy hitting a ball yourself, you can try your hand on the court behind the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Coro.
• La Mota Fortress: For a great overview and fantastic photos, it's worth climbing up Monte Urgull to the La Mota Fortress. Inside there is a small museum on the history of San Sebastián. Entry is free of charge.

Activities and excursions

In addition to pure enjoyment, water sports and golf, exploring the mountainous Basque Country takes centre stage when camping in San Sebastián. Whether surfing, visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant or hiking along the Way of St James - the lively city in northern Spain leaves nothing to be desired.

Water sports on the Bay of Biscay

Surfers love to have fun in the sea off the northern Spanish coast, for example at Playa Zurriola beach to the east of San Sebastián's promenade. Surfing courses can be taken there and suitable equipment can be hired. The best waves can be found on the far right-hand side of the beach. However, only experienced surfers should go here.

Golf

For those who like to get their swing on, there are a total of six golf courses in and around Donostia, as the city of San Sebastián is called in Basque. The nearest one is only around 4 km from the centre. Here you can play 18 holes to your heart's content. There is also a putting green and chipping area.

Hiking on Monte Urgull

With its mountainous landscape, the Basque Country offers hikers many beautiful and scenic tours. One highlight near San Sebastián is the densely forested Mount Urgull. The hike is not too difficult and rewards you with fantastic views of the city and the entire Bay of Concha.

Day trip to Biarritz

A trip to the French Basque coast is an unforgettable experience. Biarritz is a noble seaside resort where the European aristocracy spent their holidays in the 19th century. The aquarium is particularly popular with families. The long sandy beaches are popular with water sports enthusiasts.

Events in San Sebastián

20 January

• Tamborrada: This festival is held every year in honour of the city's patron saint. It starts at midnight in the Plaza de la Constitución, where the flag of San Sebastián is first hoisted. For the next 24 hours, drumming musicians parade through the metropolis.

July

• International Jazz Festival: The cultural centre in particular is the venue for Jazzaldia, where regional and international musicians perform. But other places, such as the beach, also provide the stage for concerts, which are often free of charge.

15 August

• Semana Grande: A cannon shot opens the event with the famous fireworks competition, numerous sporting competitions, colourful parades and concerts by famous musicians.

15 September

• International Film Festival: Directors, actors and film lovers gather for this glamorous event in the city's Kursaal. The week-long event has been taking place since 1953 and is one of the most renowned film festivals in the country.

21 December

• Santo Tomás: The region's agricultural produce is presented at the gigantic farmers' market. Visitors can discover handicrafts and delicacies such as cheese, honey, pastries and the typical Txistorra sausage at stalls scattered throughout the city.

Gastronomic highlights for campers in San Sebastián

A holiday in San Sebastián is a particular highlight for gourmets. Self-catering travellers can enjoy excellent regional products and dine in outstanding restaurants. And when strolling through the old town, the numerous bars with their small snacks provide refreshment.

Pintxos, for example, are popular - they are comparable to Spanish tapas and are often eaten with the typical white wine Txakoli. Several Michelin-starred restaurants tempt guests with epicurean delights. They serve classics such as spider crab with leek, onions and tomatoes or tender gill cheeks as a starter.

The chefs also serve modern creations and delicious wines from Rioja, for example. Fresh fish and seafood dishes are also particularly popular in the coastal city. For dessert after squid, eel and prawns, there is either the sheep's milk yoghurt cuajada with honey or the soaked sponge cake goxua with caramel and cream.

Best time to visit and weather in San Sebastián

The climate in the Basque Country and San Sebastián is mild and humid. This means that it doesn't get uncomfortably hot even in midsummer. The thermometer rises to 27 degrees Celsius in the warmest month of August. In June and July, holidaymakers can enjoy up to seven hours of sunshine a day.

The water is around 22 degrees in summer and is perfect for surfing. Between the beginning of May and the end of September, the weather is particularly pleasant for city and active holidaymakers. It also doesn't rain very often, but in winter visitors can expect significantly more rainfall. In December, it rains on around 14 days. One advantage is that it hardly ever freezes in the maritime climate. Even in the coldest month of February, the average temperature is still at least 7 degrees.